Has your skin changed after liposuction? 5 things to know.

Posted on May 9, 2015

LegsLiposuction removes fat from under the skin.  When we do liposuction, frequently we use energy to help us: ultrasonic, UAL, laser, smart lipo, slim lipo.  Sometimes we use just traditional cannulas.  Regardless, we are mechanically removing fat, and when we do so we create inflammation and scars.

Scarring is not all bad.  Some of the tightening you see in the skin following liposuction is thought to be due to scar which forms internally under the skin surface.

But some of the reaction can cause the skin to feel puckered, leathery, and firm. (This is not referring to uneven fat removal.) Certain areas of the body tend to do this more than others. Common sites are the flank and upper abdomen.

What can you do if you see this?

If you have a problem with fibrous tissue following liposuction, it is frustrating and tough to see and feel.  It is common to want to actively do something for it, like a special laser, ultrasound, or medicine.  With any treatment to help you run the risk of causing more inflammation, or you may be spending time and money for no improvement.  Feeling depressed can happen.  In outlier cases it can take 1-2 years to fully settle.  Photographs and doctor visits are good to chart the changes.  On a day to day basis you may not see a change which is visible to others who are seeing you weeks apart.

If you are sore in the area, it is a sign you aren’t settled yet.  As for revisions, you need to let the inflammation settle before you could try.